The fans' memorabilia

Hans Knot's document archive

Many thanks to broadcast historian Hans Knot for providing these documents from his extensive offshore radio archive.

In June 1965 a member of the royal family paid a visit to Radio Caroline South. The station was quick to capitalise on this recognition by such a senior member of the
establishment and isssued a press release. (Click on the extract below to see the full version.)

Radio 390 launched in the autumn of 1965. The response from the public was immediate and immense. The Managing Director, Ted Allbeury, replied to each letter with this printed
acknowledgement. (Click on the fragment below to see the full version.)

Radio 270 was scheduled to launch on 1st April 1966. Unfortunately technical problems followed by the collapse of the aerial mast put paid to these plans. This letter was sent
out by the sales director. (Click on the extract below to see the full version.)

In June 1966 Reg Calvert, the owner of Radio City, was shot by Oliver Smedley, chairman of Project Atlanta. Smedley's station Radio Atlanta had merged with Radio Caroline in 1964
but, following a buy-out at the end of 1965, he was no longer associated with the station. This was a fact that Caroline wanted to make very clear. (Click on the fragment below to see the full press release.)

In August 1966 the Beatles tour of America was big news. John Lennon's “bigger than Jesus” comment had caused a furore in the States and there was tremendous interest in the UK as to
what sort of reception the group would receive there. Kenny Everett from Radio London and Jerry Leighton from Radio Caroline North accompanied the tour.
This press release does not mention that Ron O'Quinn from Radio England was also in the party. (Click on the extract below to see the full version.)

Do you want to buy a radio ship? One careful owner. A snip at £25,000. Following Radio 270's closedown in August 1967, their ship Oceaan 7 was put up for sale. (Click on the
fragment below to see the full details.)

Many thanks to Hans Knot for sharing these fascinating documents.
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